11/17/2024
Holiday Mastitis. Have you heard of it? Let’s first define what mastitis is. Mastitis is inflammation of the breast caused by plugged ducts; mostly due to poor milk drainage. Symptoms include breast pain, swelling, redness, hot spot, and can include fever or chills. Mothers have described it like having the flu and feeling ran down. During this busy season, lactation consultants see a spike in breastfeeding mothers with mastitis, thus the term ‘holiday mastitis.’
This is mainly due to the extra busyness mothers can get caught up in during the holidays which can delay or miss a feeding for baby. New mothers are especially vulnerable to stress and fatigue during this season. When visitors come to see the baby or want to hold the baby, mothers can miss feeding cues which delay nursing, causing a back-up of supply. All of these factors can lead to mastitis.
So what can a nursing mother due? Keep baby close. Watch for hunger cues and give yourself time to sit, relax and enjoy the nursing time. Always check to make sure all areas of the breast are free from pinching bras or clothing which can hinder duct flow. If you do develop mastitis, treat it much like you do the flu. Bedrest, lots of fluids, ice to the red swollen area, and ibproven can help. Try feeding baby on the unaffected side 2:1 to allow the affected breast time to rest.
So if you are a nursing mother this holiday season, kick-up your feet and enjoy the busyness around you while you rest, relax, and snuggle close to your baby; enjoy this special time in your lives.
